Henderson v. Henderson

Susan Henderson (plaintiff) sued her ex-husband Brian Henderson (defendant) for defamation after he mailed letters, over nearly three years, calling her a 'wacko' and a 'whore' on the envelopes and sent similar letters to her father, sister, and adult daughter, also claiming she was mentally unstable. At trial she produced the letters, corroborating witnesses, and checks bearing obscene notations.

Whether a defendant is liable for defamation for publishing an unprivileged, false, and defamatory statement made at least negligently that causes damages, and subject to punitive damages if made with malice.